RANGER HANDBOOK

(d) Determine command relationship with the link-up unit; plan for consolidation
of chain of command.
(e) Plan actions following link-up.
(f) Exchange control measures (contact points, phase lines, contact points, and
others as appropriate).
c. Debriefing. Immediately after the platoon or squad returns, personnel from higher
headquarters conduct a thorough debrief. This may include all members of the
platoon or the leaders, RTO’s, and any attached personnel. Normally the debriefing
is oral. Sometimes a written report is required. Information on the written report
should include:
• Size and composition of the unit conducting the patrol.
• Mission of the platoon (type of patrol, location, and purpose).
• Departure and return times.
• Routes. Use checkpoints, grid coordinates for each leg or include an overlay.
• Detailed description of terrain and enemy positions that were identified.
• Results of any contact with the enemy.
• Unit status at the conclusion of the patrol mission, including the disposition of
dead or wounded soldiers.
• Conclusions or recommendations.
d. Objective Rally Point (ORP). The ORP is a point out of sight, sound, and small
arms range of the objective area. It is normally located in the direction that the
platoon plans to move after completion of actions on the objective. The ORP is
tentative until the objective is pinpointed.
(1) Occupation of the ORP (Figure 5-9).
(a) The patrol halts beyond sight and sound of the tentative ORP (200-400m in
good visibility, 100-200m in limited visibility).
(b) The patrol establishes a security halt IAW the unit SOP.
(c) After issuing a contingency plan to the PSG, the PL moves forward with a
recon element to conduct a leader’s recon of the ORP.
(d) For a squad-sized patrol, the PL moves forward with a compass man and one
member of each fire team to confirm the ORP.
(1) After physically clearing the ORP location, the PL leaves two men at the 6
o’clock position facing in opposite directions.
(2) The PL issues a contingency plan and returns with the compass man to
guide the patrol forward.
(3) The PL guides the patrol forward into the ORP, with one team occupying
from 3 o’clock through 12 o’clock to 9 o’clock, and the other occupying
from 9 o’clock through 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock.
(a) For a platoon-sized patrol, the PL follows the same sequence, taking
one ammo bearer or assistant gunner from each gun team forward and
positioning them at 10, 2, and 6 o’clock.
(1) The first squad in the order of march is the base squad, occupying
from 10 to 2 o’clock.
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